I love flowers, all sorts of flowers. Some have an amazing fragrance. The variety of flowers is mind blowing. They come in all sorts of sizes and many colours. I am so glad flowers exist to brighten up the world.

One of my favourite flowers is almond blossom. I recall a time when I had been through physical pain due to a car accident. I was out for a walk and saw the first almond blossom of the season. It was like a sign that just as the almond blossom was coming into bloom, I was going to heal and things were going to get better. Whenever I see almond blossom I feel uplifted.

Image:Marie Vonow

I associate numerous flowers with my maternal grandmother whom I loved very much. Grandma loved gardening and the flowers she grew included gladioli, pansies, sweet peas, violets, snapdragons, poppies, lilies, geraniums and daisies. When I see these flowers I have happy memories.

I recall ‘helping’ my grandma plant bulbs in her garden. She taught me to grow plants from cuttings.

Image:Marie Vonow

I often pick flowers from my garden and display them in a vase. Sometimes I have several vases around the house. At the moment I have lots of sweet smelling lavender in vases. I find it hard to limit the number of vases I have. Before moving house I parted with a number of vases but have acquired a few replacements since.

Image:Marie Vonow

When I go for walks I get much enjoyment from the flowers I see growing in other people’s gardens. Some people have plants next to the footpath for everyone to enjoy.

Image:Marie Vonow

Research done by the State University of New Jersey supports my belief that flowers make people happy. Flowers trigger happy emotions and increase feelings of life satisfaction. They also encourage positive social behaviour. After receiving flowers people are less depressed and feel more relaxed.

Flowers bring colour and fragrance into my life. They make me happy and make me recall positive memories. When I see and smell flowers I am also reminded to live in the moment and enjoy what I am experiencing right now.

I allow myself one bouquet of Carnations from Woolies, every fortnight. With the little pouch of 'feed' attached, it keeps them ok for the next f/n! I buy a different colour each time, & have them in the kitchen. Their beauty, & perfume I really love!